Gem clear, bright and lustrous Rhodochrosite crystals from the now classic Uchucchacua Mine in Peru. The main crystal on the matrix is just over 2 CM long and there are several other smaller crystals as well. Protected in a narrow vug the main crystal is quite perfect and damage free. While Rhodochrosite can be found all over the world there are no more than 3 places that have ever produced crystals of this size, quality and habit. Of those localities Uchucchuacua is the only place that still is an occasional producer. Well beyond average quality yet still relatively affordable for a fine Rhodo.
Rhodochrosite with Calcite etc.
stock #19.1-446
Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdan
Chihuahua,
Mexico
3.2 x 2.3 x 1.8 CM (thumbnail)
price: $120
A neat thumbnail of interlocked rhombs of Rhodochrosite with tiny calcites on some edges. The crystals are complete and in undamaged condition. This is a nice example of the HQLP (High Quality, Low Price) concept. Santa Eulalia over many years produced Rhodochrosite in small finds and unique pockets of many different habits, forms and styles. Perhaps the most diverse Rhodo locale in the world, Santa Eulalia is remarkable and continues to yield small finds of surprising quality.
Rhodochrosite- gem clear Rhomb
stock #19.1-351
Black Rock Mine, Black Rock District, Kalahari Manganese Field
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
1.4 x .6 x .3 CM (thumbnail)
price: $340
Small yet very vivid red and super transparent, a colorful gem crystal. , Sharp and perfectly terminated (these almost always have tiny tip cleaves) a very cute Rhodochrosite from the Kalahari. From the Black Rock mine, this is an older collection piece as these were found decades ago, before the big discoveries at NChwanning. Perfect clarity and a choice thumbnail.
Rhodochrosite -Scalenohedral crystals
stock #12.1-273
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province
Lima Department,
Peru
4.2 x 4.1 x 2.8 CM (miniature)
price: $650
Spring 2019
Sizable doubly terminated Rhodochrosite crystals sitting on contrasting matrix. These are the "fat Scalenohedral" habit from Uchucchacua and are translucent to transparent with the largest crystal 2.1 CM. The presenting face of the specimen looks in very good undamaged condition but the crystals do have contacts and chipping on the backs and sides so this is not for perfectionists. Depending on the display angle this can look quite perfect however. The crystals have some faces showing complex striations but others are smooth and lustrous. A great value for the size, color and form.
A transparent gem crystal of bright red Rhodo from the classic N Chwanning #1 mine. This is part of a small find made late last year, the result of years of digging in an attempt to find more of the legendary scalenohedral Rhodos last found over thirty years ago. Those are now some of the most highly prized mineral specimens in the world. This new find was small as were most of the specimens, but the quality was excellent. The Rhodo crystals are lustrous and with top intense red. This specimen has a series of face modifications not seen in older materials. The main large crystal is in perfect condition, the termination is not cleaved as many were. One smaller crystal on the side has a cleave that can be seen in some orientations but not in others, that cleave is small but needs to be mentioned. Very few of the old find or this newer one were so clean. Big display impact for the small size.
Rhodochrosite New find, classic locale
stock #18.1-667
N Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Fields, Kuruman
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
2.5 x 2.2 x 2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $1350
A choice and brilliant thumbnail of complex, gem grade Rhodochrosite. This is part of a small find made late last year at the famed Nchwaning #1 mine. The result of years of digging in an attempt to find more of the legendary scalenohedral gem clear Rhodos last produced over thirty years ago. Those are now some of the most highly prized mineral specimens in the world. This new find was small but the quality was excellent. The Rhodo crystals are small but perfect, lustrous and with top intense red. This specimen has a mix of habits and forms all with a luster that is almost impossibly bright, best appreciated in person. A few tiny Hematite crystals are scattered on the piece as well otherwise this is all pure gem Rhodochrosite. We had the opportunity to select a few of the very best pieces from the find as they were unveiled at the Munich show, this is one of them.
Rhodochrosite (new find at classic locale)
stock #18.1-673
N Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Fields, Kuruman
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
3.2 x 2.1 x 1.3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $2250
A superb large thumbnail/ toenail Rhodo that has exception bright luster, color and is perfectly undamaged. This is part of a small find made late last year at the famed Nchwaning #1 mine. The result of years of digging in an attempt to find more of the legendary scalenohedral gem clear Rhodos last produced over thirty years ago. Those are now some of the most highly prized mineral specimens in the world. This new find was small but the quality was excellent. The Rhodo crystals are small but perfect, lustrous and with top intense red. This specimen has a mix of habits and forms all with a luster that is almost impossibly bright, best appreciated in person.
A few tiny Hematite crystals are scattered on the piece as well otherwise this is all pure gem Rhodochrosite. We had the opportunity to select a few of the very best pieces from the find as they were unveiled at the Munich show, this is one of them.
A neat variation of classic form from Mt St Hillaire, the flattened triangular Rhodochrosite Rhomb with some extra faces. This specimen here also has several tiny "normal" Rhodo rhombs. Lots of micro crystals on some faces and edges, including Polylithonite. In perfect condition by naked eye, only at 30X magnification are some rough spots found as is a secondary coating in a few spots. Displays well from most any angle, this is good looking on either side. An attractive large thumbnail.
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